Singer-songwriter Rie fu has begun her half-year project ‘fu diary‘. She will release three new songs every month for six months on the music distribution site OTOTOY.

The project is not strictly limited to music, as Rie fu – who graduated from University of the Arts London – will simultaneously be releasing an essay through the e-book website BCCKS based on her real intention as well as the production process of her art work. The essay, which will be divided into six parts for each month and can be viewed for free, will be made available as a paperback book at the end of the project.

Each month in her six-month project will be just 500 yen ($6.30 USD) for 3 songs (2,000 yen for 6 months). Those who would like to purchase all 18 songs and the essay book together can purchase the “fu diary -ALL SONGS & ART BOOK” for 4,500 yen ($57 USD).

Currently, Rie fu is planning to hold art exhibitions at Harajuku’s VACANT on July 15th, Osaka Namba’s artyard studio on August 19th, and Kyoto’s SOLE CAFE on August 20th as part of her “fu fes” art tour. At each venue, visitors can purchase hand painted artwork by Rie fu in addition to diverse collaboration goods with other artists.

Source + Image: natalie

Singer-songwriter Rie fu has announced that she will be releasing a best-of album entitled “I Can Do Better” on November 23rd!

The album will include a wide range of tracks from her career, including “decay” from her debut album to her latest single, “For You“. It will also include a brand new song called “For Your Wedding“. Additionally, the limited edition will come with a DVD containing 13 music videos.

Rie fu has also announced that she’ll be holding a live event, “Rie fu sings Rie fu 〜Bright Brunch & Romantic Dinner“, to commemorate the release of the best-of album. The concert will be held on the release date from 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm at HUB ASAKUSA in Tokyo.

Check out the jacket covers and track list below!

-

<Limited Edition>

<Regular Edition>

<Track List>

01. decay
02. Life is Like a Boat
03. I Wanna Go To A Place…
04. Negai Goto
05. Tiny Tiny Melody
06. Until I Say
07. Tsukiakari
08. 5000 Mile
09. Anata ga Koko ni Iru Riyuu
10. Home
11. Romantic
12. In The Airplane
13. PRESENT
14. Hitotsu Hitotsu / Rie fu & Seira, Shiina Junpei, Chris Tomoko, Saki
15. For You
16. For Your Wedding

Limited Edition DVD:
01. decay
02. Life is Like a Boat
03. I Wanna Go To A Place
04. Negai Goto
05. Tiny Tiny Melody
06. Tsukiakari
07. 5000 Mile
08. Anata ga Koko ni Iru Riyuu
09. Home
10. Romantic
11. PRESENT
12. Stay With Me ~Renai Nante Himatsubushi~ / Rie fu & Lily Franky feat. Bose (Scha Dara Parr)
13. For You

Source + Photos: natalie

ORANGE RANGE NAOTO’s solo project, delofamilia, will be releasing a new album titled “Spaces in Queue” on October 5th!

This album will feature vocalist Rie fu, who has worked with delofamilia in the past. It’s said that the album includes beautiful, mystic melodies and borderless alternative sounds.

Additionally, delofamilia will be holding an album release tour called “delofamiliatour 11 ‘Spaces in Queue’“, starting on October 8th at Fukuoka ROOMS. Tickets will be available for pre-order from August 10th through delofamilia’s official website.

Take a look at the track list below!

-

< Track List >
01. amateur
02. toxic ship
03. guiding
04. spinning
05. brightest star
06. no name
07. mistress
08. recently
09. typical
10. your song

Source + Photo: Barks

Rie fu opened an exhibit on July 12th for her paintings, where visitors can purchase her works through a fundraising auction. “At the gallery now! With Rie-chan,” she tweeted cheerfully during her visit, and attached  a picture of the two smiling for the camera.

Fans commented, “How long is this going to be??”, “I went yesterday, but I wonder if I should’ve gone today if YUKA-san came…”, and “Today’s a school day, so I can’t come (｡-_-｡)”

Source: YUKA’s Official Twitter

Singer-songwriter Rie fu recently refreshed her official art work website with new photos and paintings, stunning fans with her multiple talents in art.

“My art work website renewed!”, she wrote on her official blog in both Japanese and English. “You can see my paintings and also photography I’ve been taking of my good looking friends :)”.

As tokyohive has previously reported, Rie fu is also active as a painter under her real name, Rie Funakoshi. She occasionally updates her official Vogue blog and her official Ameblo blog with new artwork as well.

Check out her updated website here to see more of the talented artist’s new work!

Source: Rie fu’s Official Blog

Rie fu explained her painting by simply saying, “Today’s piece. The title of the blog entry (‘world is with you’) is the title of the picture.” The painting itself is sweet and colorful, as it depicts people from around the world reaching towards Japan – the only country painted on the globe.

Fans commented, “Such peaceful colors,” “It’s really lovely,” and “Despite all the green, it gives off a warm impression”.

Source: Rie fu’s Official Blog

Although many of you may recognize Rie fu for her music, she is also active as a painter under the name, Rie Funakoshi. After graduating from the University of Arts London with a degree in fine art, Rie has been actively involved in the design of the booklets for her musical releases, and occasionally updates her official painting website with new illustrations.

In her blog entry, she shows her fans the process behind two of her most recent paintings. “I’ve been painting two large paintings about water recently. It really is a struggle to re-paint over and over, but that makes the colour and texture a deeper taste. Kind of like life, I hope,” the artist confessed.

Check out a few of Rie’s in-progress paintings below!

Source: Rie fu’s Official Vogue Blog

Last week, singer-songwriter Rie Fu announced on her website that she would be holding a cover live of The Carpenters, and it looks like she’ll be taking requests!

“I’m in the middle of choosing songs for my cover live. I’ll take requests from all of you :),” the singer recently stated on her newest blog entry, asking fans to leave the title of their favorite song by the famous duo in the comments. The most popular choices among fans have been their 1976 single “I Need to Be in Love” and the smash hit “They Long to Be (Close to You),” which Rie Fu covered for her single “Home.”

What’s your favorite song by The Carpenters?

Source: Rie Fu’s Official Blog

Last December, Rie Fu combined her Tokyo-based entertainment roots with her musical inspiration, The Carpenters, resulting in a small live performance, titled “vol. 0 Rie fu sings The Carpenters.” This performance was apparently a trial run, as Rie Fu is now planning to host what looks like the first in a series of cover lives!

The exact details on “vol. 1 ‘Rie fu sings The Carpenters’” are being kept private, but Rie Fu has provided the time and venue for the event on her blog. The cover live will take place on March 6th, 5:00 PM JST, and will be held at HUB ASAKUSA just in time for the jazz hall’s twentieth anniversary. Admission will be ¥2,800.

Those who enjoyed Rie’s cover of “They Long to Be (Close to You)” should not miss out on this exclusive event!

Source: Rie Fu’s Official Blog

Rie Fu will be releasing her single “For You” on February 16th, and the singer-songwriter will be making a special appearance at the Tower Records Shinjuku location on February 20th at 4 PM JST, and will be providing an autograph session in addition to a small performance.

Kalafina, on the other hand, will be holding a total of four events for the release of their ninth single “Magia,” which also drops on February 16. The chamber pop group will hold two performances on February 19 and two performances on February 20 at four CD stores across the nation.

A commemorative video titled “Kalafina Special Video” will be screened during the event, along with a “talk show” type event and a limited number of exclusive posters. The first one hundred fans to arrive and purchase Kalafina merchandise at each of the events will receive either seating at the video screening or the poster, depending on the location.

Make sure to check out both singles when they are released on February16!

Source: Kalafina’s Official Blog & Rie Fu’s Official Website